Two is always better than one. So if you are looking to adopt a kitty, why not get another one with it? If you are looking to get two kittens from the same litter, there are a couple of things you need to know.
Littermates Are Important During Kittenhood
Kittens from the same litter can learn so much about social development from each other. And this early interaction is essential for learning abilities and behavior. Usually, kittens will learn from the interaction with their mom, and many people make a mistake believing that kittens are ready to be separated as soon as they start eating on their own.
It often seems that cats enjoy living in solitude, and they don’t require any company. But the truth is a bit different. It is not rare for siblings to bond since birth, and the first seven weeks of their lives are dedicated to socialization. As you all know, kittens love exploring the world around them, discovering new playthings, and interacting with siblings. And this is why it is essential for littermates to stay together.
Adopting a Pair of Littermates (Or More)
People who notice a pair of littermates are rarely willing to separate them, and if you are in a dilemma, the best course of action would be to adopt both kitties. Bringing a cat into your home can be scary for it. And if it has a sibling, they will be able to spend the time together and discover everything together.
Furthermore, it is less likely that your new kitty will experience separation anxiety or other similar behavioral problems. They will be able to interact with each other, play, and, more importantly, keep each other in line.
Littermate Syndrome
You might have heard about the term littermate syndrome before. It is a social disorder that manifests in an intense bond between two siblings. This can go as far as to exclude other cats, and separating them can cause extreme anxiety.
However, littermate syndrome in cats is not something that you need to worry about. It often affects puppies from the same litter, but cats are more capable of being on their own than dogs are.
Don’t worry: your kitties will most likely be fine. Having another cat around is beneficial for them. In fact, it is a win-win situation — both cats will become independent, but they will have each other if they require support or a partner in crime.
How Similar Are Littermates?
If you are wondering how similar your kitties are, there is an easy way to find out. Namely, you can get a Basepaws Cat DNA test that will help you understand more about your pets’ ancestors, behavior, and even health. It is also a simple but effective way to see whether the cats are identical twins or if they have different fathers, and how much they have in common with each other.
What to Expect When They Grow Up
Cats remember each other by scent. If you adopt a kitten during its early weeks, it might go through separation anxiety once it gets a new home. After a while, the kitty will adopt a new family, and they will forget about their mom or siblings.
Littermates can be a bit different. They develop a strong bond during these early stages of life, and this hyper attachment may continue in the future as well. Of course, since we are talking about cats, there is no guarantee how these two will behave in the future.